The Art of Conversation

Do you know people who chew your ear off? Or others who never listen to you when you talk, they always want to interrupt with their seemingly important information and you are not sure why they never 'hear' you? Do you also know people who connect with you, make you feel special and listened to, who actually care and take note of what is happening for you?

Where you stand on this spectrum?
We can all benefit from learning how to converse. Conversation is a mainstay of society and is the reason most things happen. New ideas spark from a good conversation, we console, show concern and connect with others through conversation. Throughout millennia it is conversation, speaking and the art of conversation that has allowed us to prosper.

So how can you improve your conversation skills?

• We can listen more than we speak. In most conversations, we listen to add, we don't listen to understand, hear and be present. We hold our next line in our mind, something to add to make us look better, to steer the conversation where we want to. Just listen. In coaching it is called Active Listening. It involves not thinking of your next conversation and hanging off every word the person says.
• Don't interject with your own thoughts. By not adding your story you remain a listener and can show empathy to the person you are speaking with.
• Realise we all have biases and these play out in conscious and sub conscious ways. Watch yourself and catch yourself where you can to avoid the trap of your preconceived notions.
• Be honest with people and when you need to apologise.

​Conversation is an art that we are losing. With texts, videos, short attention spans and email, we should not forget our conversation skills. Without phones and interruptions and giving space for true connection.